Music Minute Monday: How to Gain Power in Your Voice

Last time we chatted, I taught you about mic technique and what to do when you’re singing loudly vs. singing quietly. Well, what what if you’re someone who wants to sing loudly but don’t know how? I am here for you, young padawon.

First off, let’s talk about the diaphragm.

We’ve spoken about proper breathing technique before but, to review, your diaphragm is a muscle at the top of your abdomen that contracts (flattens) when you breathe in acting as a vacuum, sucking in the air to your lungs. When you breathe out, it expands, pushing the air up & out of your lungs.

Now, when you’re trying to sing with more power, you engage your diaphragm and use that expansion as a support system for your air, thus creating a solid foundation for your voice to grow off of.

So singing should feel like an ab workout?

Yes. Absolutely, if you’re doing it right!

What are some exercises you can do to strengthen your voice if you’re not “there” yet?

One of my favorites is singing a “Hey!” Like you’re trying to get someone’s attention. A quick, punchy HEY, on pitch, increasing by a half step each time, making sure you’re engaging your diaphragm each time, and not squeezing from your throat or your neck to hit the note.

You can also sing difficult parts of a song in a plank. If your form is correct, it’s close to impossible to sing incorrectly because you diaphragm is already engaged.

One key thing to remember is, we’re talking about muscles. Not only your diaphragm, but also your voice! Strength takes time, patience, and consistency to obtain so, be kind to your voice and your progress, and keep going!